27 Aug Note to self: Purposeful in Him. – Sep 15

For many, finding talent/calling in life is an important thing. Just few days ago, I had a discussion with my relatives regarding the topics of work and life aspirations. We both agree that money is secondary in nature and it is more important to firstly find our God-given talents and the things that we love to do and then work hard on it. Therefore, we will be able to work effortlessly and produce a lot or returns.

This idea remains floating in my mind for several days but it never landed in my heart perfectly. As I reflect, it appears to me that God is not in the picture! And even if He is there, He would probably the one whom I would ask for help in order to achieve my goal. The pursuit of finding my God-given talents and my ideal thought of being able to work effortlessly are actually fuelled by my desire to avoid hardships in life. It is possible to venture away from God as we pursue our God-given talents.

But I am reminded that the life that we have is now in Jesus Christ. For I have been crucified with Christ, therefore it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now lives in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. He has shown me how to live, that is in Him.

So is it a mistake to pursue in finding my given talent and work hard on them to accomplish things? I do not think it is a mistake, but only if God is the initiator, mediator and the destination. For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. If I place my desire to avoid hardships higher than my desire for God, it will redirect my heart, my plans and thus my actions away from Him. This tunnel will only ultimately empty myself and lead me nowhere.

Good career in workplace or personal business is what many people would like to have. But if our aim is to find our talent and then work effortlessly to our success, I think we are aiming too low. Because our true calling is in Him, the Giver of life and to whom only we owe our lives to. If we then follow His ways, we will know that we will find Him at the end of the tunnel, the treasure in whom we will find our joy and satisfaction in life.

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Matthew 16:25-26